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LH
By : STARH
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 17th edition
Discipline : Architecture
Categories : Residential Building / Apartment & Condo of 5 to 9 storeys : Platinum Winner
LH residential building is situated in the historical center of Varna, Bulgaria. It is located at a corner plot between Slivnitsa Boulevard – the main pedestrian artery leading to the Sea Garden – and Stefan Karadja Street. The context of the building is quite vibrant due to many historical buildings which are present, as well as the dynamic city life of the central zone.
LH is the first intervention in a pre-existing building of the studio, being as one of the most challenging and most responsible projects, especially due to its central location in the city of Varna and its cultural status. The strong belief of STARH in contemporary architecture led the design approach into definitive contemporary expression, while walking the thin line between what’s modern and what’s contextual. Being aware of its responsibility, the studio took the bold step to introduce a design that strengthens the characteristics of the past and add new qualities for the benefit of the future.
The existing 2-storey building dates back to 1923. According to the Cultural Heritage Legislation it does not have “immovable cultural property” status, but does categorize as “ensemble importance”. It is characterized by limestone ornaments and decorations, including sculptures of two children above the corner pediment, all done by a local sculptor. Although the building is not a protected one, the concept of preserving its appearance and decorations is developed in the project for reconstruction and re-use. Since some of the architectural elements are degraded or missing due to outdoor conditions, they are reconstructed.
The concept of the project follows a contemporary design approach in historical context. The investor’s program consists of having three additional floors above the existing ones; hence the new design aims to distinguish itself from the existing one in a respectful manner. In this way the project is fair both to the past and to the present. The area envisions new urban planning regulations, where LH is the first one to be executed. Following the new urban planning restrictions of the lot, the architectural volume is defined in a specific way. A rigid and minimal grid is used for the façade in order to achieve certain harmony with the existing façade, as well as not to be dominating over it. A ventilated suspended system is used both on the façade and on the roof facing the streets, which is implemented by fiber cement panels. Two different types of finishes of the panels bring a certain dynamic, which is boosted with large scale windows around the corner.
Reorganization of the program and interior spaces is made. The building consists of four residential floors, having three apartments, and a ground floor as a public space and café with an inner courtyard.
Collaboration
